Charity starts at home (after yoga class of course): Russell Brand helps out homeless man by giving him his T-shirt and a lift

He has been a heroin addict, an alcoholic and, at one point, arguably one of Britain's most hated men after Manuelgate.
But one thing you can say about Russell Brand, is that he has a compassion for the vulnerable - and it isn't just for TV or Parliament Select Committees.
The comedian was seen offering a helping hand to a homeless man as he left a yoga class in Los Angeles yesterday (Thursday).

Reaching out: Russell Brand helps out a homeless man he spots following a yoga class yesterday (Thursday) in LA

Wearing his usual yoga garb of harem trousers, sandals and flowing scarf, the 37-year-old bumped into a man who appeared to be homeless in an alleyway as he walked towards his Range Rover.

Recognising that the man was somewhat down on his luck, the altruistic comedian rushed to his car and offered the man some water.
Once the gentleman was slightly less parched, the actor shook his hand and engaged him in conversation, perhaps offering him with a few words of wisdom.

Shake it: Russell is no stranger to helping out those in need

After assessing his situation the kind-hearted funnyman donated a white t-shirt to the struggling man and after even more conversation, he offered him a lift in his car.
Russell was believed to be overheard saying they were going to an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting.
It's been reported that before bumping in to the famous Essex joker, the man was seen rolling around in the dirty parking space and appeared to be under the influence of some kind of narcotics.

Contemplating: Russell appeared to try and work out what's best for the homeless man

Need a lift: Russell doesn't hesitate to give the man a lift, they are reportedly heading to an AA meeting

The former husband of Katy Perry is no stranger to AA meetings himself.
As a former heroin and sex addict and recovering alcoholic, Russell regularly attends both AA and NA meeting.
He also cites his practice of Transcendental Meditation as a significant factor in his recovery.

Help: As a former addict, Russell seems to recognise when others need a hand

Better: The man seems much gives a thumbs up after his chat with Russell

Russell recently debuted a new tattoo with the words 'Lord, make a channel of thy peace', scrawled across his right arm.
The line is from the Prayer of St Francis, and it appears in an Alcoholics Anonymous book called Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.
Although the  star has been clean for over 10 years, he still remembers how he felt when on drugs.

Embrace: Russell is seen hugging a friend goodbye following a meeting earlier that day

He said: 'Heroin is a greedy drug, it'll take everything. First it'll take your money. Then it'll take your friends, your family, your car, your house.
The confession is part of a documentary called Russell Brand: From Addiction to Recovery, which aired in August on BBC Three.

Refresh: Russell was seen getting a drink following a meeting earlier that day

He also appeared before the UK government Home Affairs committee as part of an enquiry into drugs policy.
His colourful advice, and outfit, grabbed the attention of the media.]
At one point Russell said: 'I don't think we need a carrot or a stick. Both of those things seem to be to be bizarre metaphors. I think what we need is love and compassion. Being arrested isn't a lesson, it's just an administrative blip.'
Earlier in the day the Arthur actor was spotted attending a meeting in the city.
Dressed in typically skinny, tattered jeans and what looked like a paint-stained t-shirt, Russell was seen giving a warm embrace goodbye to a friend.

Keeping busy: Geri Halliwell has made sure she has been keeping busy since her fling with Russell

Funnyman Brand recently returned to LA following a stint in the UK, during which he performed at the Olympic Closing Ceremony.
During his time in his home country, Russell reportedly also embarked on a brief fling with Spice Girl Geri Halliwell after hitting it off at the ceremony.
There short-lived romance came to an abrupt end when the infamous lady man was spotted cosying up to unknown Aimee Levoir in Bury St Edmunds.
The comedian treated 24-year-old Aimee to a night in the prestigious Angel Hotel in the town, as well as enjoying an intimate-looking picnic with her.
Russell has just announced that he will do a one-off performance of his stand-up routine in Auckland, New Zealand.
He tweeted: 'I'm doing Stand Up in Auckland on 11/28! Come see me.'